Man apprehended in Honest Ed’s sexual assault

An Honest Ed’s employee and an unknown second victim were sexually assaulted inside the Honest Ed’s retail store on July 22, the day of the store’s 64th anniversary celebration.

Police said the accused, Eugene Previlon, 29, of Toronto, was in the store between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. when the alleged assaults took place. He fled the scene shortly after and was arrested a short distance away.

“Within the same time, a second woman approached staff members and claimed that the same male touched the hand of [her] family member inappropriately,” said Det. Robert MacInnis of 14 Division. “All sexual assaults are considered severe, though the second one sounds more minor in nature.”

Russell Lazar, Honest Ed’s general manager, said the incident is certainly not common.

“I’ve been managing here for 54 years and it’s never happened before,” he said. “The employee reported it and security and police responded very quickly. She’s fine and happy that the police dealt with it.”

MacInnis said he could not provide more details on the initial assault as of press time.

Police said they are looking for the second set of victims, the woman who made the allegation as well as the family member that may have been assaulted. Neither were on the scene when police arrived and have not been identified.

MacInnis said there was no evidence to support any connection with this incident to the recent rash of sexual assaults in the area.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 14 Division at 416-808-1400 or Crime Stoppers.